This was published 2 years ago
The Pole House review, Great Ocean Road, Victoria: One of Australia's most iconic holiday homes
By Mark Daffey
The Pole House is one of Victoria's most eye-catching properties.
THE PLACE
In the 1960s, architectural engineer Frank Dixon conceived a plan to build a home that would maximise some of the best coastal views in Victoria. The idea? A stilt home, built atop a concrete pylon high the above the Great Ocean Road in Fairhaven. Ever since it was completed in 1976, and then later demolished in favour of a sturdier, more contemporary steel and glass design by its current owners, travellers have been stopping to ogle at this unique architectural landmark.
THE LOCATION
It's all about the views.
When it comes to ocean-side accommodation, it doesn't get much better than this, opposite a sweeping, six-kilometre-long surf beach. But Fairhaven is no place for evening bar crawlers. After dark, the smell of barbecued meat is more likely to waft through the air amid a chorus of laughter and clinking wine glasses.
THE SPACE
Talk about eye-catching! I lost count of how many times envious motorists and pedestrians paused, open-mouthed, to take photographs of our accommodation. Crackles of yellow-tailed black cockatoos even seemed to be intrigued, flying by at eye level just off the balcony, unperturbed by the paragliders and hang gliders drifting overhead. The original timber cocoon was replaced by a more contemporary steel and glass structure in 2013.
The king-sized bed cleverly folds away.
THE ROOM
A stylish, wheelchair-accessible studio space with an island bathroom concealed behind timber panelling. Floor-to-ceiling windows with sliding doors to a wraparound balcony allow 180-degree views. There's a clever foldaway king-size bed, a leather lounge suite, glass dining setting and a kitchenette. The Loewe TV screen is compact enough not to obstruct the views and there's a DVD/Blu-ray Player and Logitech stereo system. A DVD library is hidden away behind a wardrobe door, along with a small selection of board games and an iron and ironing board.
THE FOOD
With limited cooking facilities, The Pole House clearly isn't designed with long-term guests in mind. Just down the road, the bar and restaurant inside the Fairhaven Surf Lifesaving Club are open between December and Easter. Takeaway food choices in the closest town, Aireys Inlet, include fish and chip and wood-fired pizza outlets, as well as numerous cafes. The cosy, community-owned Aireys Pub/Brewery has always boasted a convivial atmosphere, while the à la grecque Mediterranean restaurant is highly regarded.
STEPPING OUT
Be warned: you might not want to leave the place. Should you wish to though, there's lumpy swimming and surfing at Fairhaven Beach, tours through Split Point Lighthouse (which you can see from your bed), and several short hikes that branch out from the Moggs Creek Picnic Area. The gorgeous seaside towns of Aireys Inlet, Anglesea and Lorne aren't far away.
THE VERDICT
It's all about those views, baby. And the novelty of staying high above the ground inside one of Victoria's most iconic properties. But it's hard to know whether it would be better to stay here in summer or winter. Summer has the advantage of being able to swim at a magnificent ocean beach that's accessible via a pedestrian laneway 100 metres back along the street. But winter is when you can hunker down inside with the fire roaring while stormy weather sweeps across the ocean. Both are appealing choices.
ESSENTIALS
A night in The Pole House costs $895, with two-night minimum stays applicable during weekends. It's suitable for two guests only, with a "no party" policy. Needless to say, pole dancing is discouraged. Pets are also forbidden. The tariff includes a welcome pack of local goodies. See greatoceanroadholidays.com.au/accommodation/greatoceanroad-the-pole-house/
RATING
★★★★★
HIGHLIGHT
Watching the moonlight reflect off the ocean waves while glorious sea breezes massaged us through open balcony doors.
LOWLIGHT
Realising that the freestanding fireplace was empty. A set fireplace, filled with kindling that's ready to light, would add greatly to the experience.
Mark Daffey stayed as a guest of The Pole House.
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